Questions and Answers
Who wrote the book on the theory of Natural Selection?
Charles Darwin
What is the best scientific explanation for both the unity and diversity of life?
Theory of Evolution
What do we call groups of interbreeding organisms in the same area?
Population
What happens in a large population in terms of evolution?
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What happens in a small population in terms of evolution?
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What is evolution?
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What is natural selection?
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What are the four types of polygenic selection?
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What is an adaptation?
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What is reproductive isolation?
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What are the two main ways to describe the rate of evolutionary change?
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What is gradualism?
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Approximately how long does it take for gradualism to occur?
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What is punctuated equilibrium?
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When does punctuated equilibrium occur?
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Approximately how long does it take for punctuated equilibrium to occur?
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Who proposed the term 'punctuated equilibrium'?
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What is a vestigial structure?
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What are homologous structures?
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What are analogous structures?
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What is common ancestry?
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What is divergent evolution (adaptive radiation)?
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What is speciation?
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What is the struggle for existence?
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What is overproduction in terms of evolution?
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What is artificial selection?
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What are acquired traits?
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What is diversity in evolutionary biology?
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What is variation?
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What is a species?
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Study Notes
Key Figures in Evolution
- Charles Darwin: Authored the foundational text on Natural Selection, proposing the Theory of Evolution.
- Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould: Coined the term "punctuated equilibrium."
Fundamental Concepts
- Theory of Evolution: A comprehensive explanation for life's unity and diversity, emphasizing descent with modification.
- Population: Collection of interbreeding organisms residing in a specific locale.
- Evolution: The process of change in organisms over time, leading to the adaptation and descent from ancient species.
Types of Selection
- Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where organisms best suited to their environment thrive.
- Polygenic Traits: Most traits are influenced by multiple genes, impacting evolutionary outcomes.
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Types of Polygenic Selection:
- Stabilizing Selection: Favors average phenotypes by eliminating extremes.
- Directional Selection: Favors one extreme phenotype over others.
- Disruptive Selection: Favors extreme phenotypes at both ends of the spectrum.
- Sexual Selection: Selection based on traits that attract mates, leading to sexual dimorphism.
Rates of Evolutionary Change
- Two main rates of evolutionary change: Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium.
- Gradualism: Slow, incremental changes occurring over millions of years.
- Punctuated Equilibrium: Characterized by long periods of stability interrupted by short, rapid changes, typically occurring in isolated populations, lasting hundreds of thousands of years.
Evolutionary Structures and Concepts
- Vestigial Structures: Non-functional remnants from ancestors, demonstrating common ancestry.
- Homologous Structures: Different mature forms derived from the same embryonic tissues, indicating a shared lineage.
- Analogous Structures: Similar traits across unrelated species, resulting from convergent evolution rather than common ancestry.
- Common Ancestry: Organisms sharing a common ancestor as a basis of evolutionary biology.
Processes in Evolution
- Divergent Evolution (Adaptive Radiation): A single species evolves into multiple forms, adapting to various environments.
- Speciation: The process leading to the formation of new species.
- Struggle for Existence: Competition among species for survival; not all individuals will survive to reproduce.
- Overproduction: More offspring are produced than can survive, leading to natural selection.
Miscellaneous Concepts
- Artificial Selection (Selective Breeding): Humans choose which traits to perpetuate within populations, exemplified by domestic dogs.
- Acquired Traits: Characteristics gained during an organism's life that cannot be inherited genetically.
- Diversity: The range of different species occupying Earth.
- Variation: Differences among individuals within a species, critical for natural selection.
- Species: Groups of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts of evolution, including the theories of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. This quiz covers important terms and definitions associated with Charles Darwin's work and the theory of evolution. Perfect for students diving into the fundamentals of evolutionary biology!